Momordica charantia for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Study answer

What this study found

Overall, Momordica charantia did not show convincing improvement in glycemic control, and the review concluded that evidence is insufficient to support its use in type 2 diabetes. In the placebo-controlled trial by Dans 2007, there was no significant effect on HbA1c (MD 0.22, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.80), fasting blood glucose (MD 0.66, 95% CI -1.69 to 3.01), total cholesterol, or BMI. In John 2003, fasting blood glucose (MD -0.70, 95% CI -22.40 to 21.00), postprandial glucose (MD -27.20, 95% CI -65.33 to 10.93), and serum fructosamine (MD -14.80, 95% CI -53.19 to 23.59) were also not significantly…

Study & population

Systematic review/meta-analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, conducted in outpatient or clinic settings.

Intervention

Oral Momordica charantia (bitter melon) preparations were tested across four randomized trials, using capsules, tablets, or shade-dried whole-fruit preparations derived from fruit, seed, or leaf material.

Key limitation

The evidence base was small, with only 4 trials and short follow-up of 4 to 12 weeks.

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Original abstract